The Golden State Warriors faced elimination in Game 5 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the series ending 4–1 in Minnesota’s favor, the outcome shocked many—especially given that the Warriors were without Stephen Curry, who missed the game due to injury. Expectations were high for veteran forward Jimmy Butler to step up, but that moment never arrived. And Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade made his disappointment clear.
Watching the game live on a PlayBack stream, Wade didn’t hold back in his critique of his former teammate. “Hey, number 10! If you can hear me, do something!” Wade shouted, sending a pointed message about Butler’s lack of impact on the court.
The comments came after Butler finished the game with just 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting, along with six rebounds and six assists. It was a letdown for Warriors fans who had hoped to see the six-time All-Star take command of the offense—especially following his strong Game 3, where he put up 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, reminiscent of his NBA Eastern Conference Finals heroics against Boston in 2022.
With Curry sidelined, many expected Butler to take full control of the team, or perhaps see another surge from sharpshooter Buddy Hield, who was coming off a standout Game 7 performance in the first round against the Houston Rockets. But neither player rose to the occasion.
Instead, it was Jonathan Kuminga who emerged as the Warriors’ most consistent contributor. The 21-year-old forward seized his opportunity in Curry’s absence, averaging over 24 points per game in the series. He dropped 30 in Game 3 and followed it up with 26 in Game 5. Brandin Podziemski added 28 in the final game as well, but their combined efforts weren’t enough to stop Minnesota’s momentum.
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The Timberwolves, meanwhile, had their stars firing on all cylinders. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle led the charge, combining for 52 points in Game 5 and overwhelming the Warriors’ defense with their dominance in the paint. Golden State simply couldn’t keep pace.
Wade’s public challenge to Butler extends beyond a single outburst. The two share a personal connection dating back to their time with the Chicago Bulls during the 2016–17 season, when Wade served as a mentor to the younger forward. His on-air comments reflected not just frustration, but the high standard he continues to hold for Butler—now 35 and expected to lead in moments like these.
